Pink People’s Bus Service

The initial step of revamping the transport system of Karachi has been taken. After the initiation of the Peoples Bus Service along with the procurement of electric buses, the Sindh government has now succeeded in introducing the first-ever Pink People’s Bus Service to promote women empowerment. It claims to be a safe, convenient, affordable and comfortable transport service that females can opt for during times of economic hardship.

Initially, eight buses have been introduced with a fare of Rs50 to facilitate students and working women by making it easier for them to commute to universities and workplaces. Considering the high price of fuel and transport vehicles, this service will indeed go a long way in providing relief to the females of Karachi who have had no other option in the past but to travel in ramshackle buses filled with men. Such women regularly face sexual harassment and find it cumbersome to travel five days a week in an atmosphere of fear. In order to ensure a sense of safety, cameras are installed inside the buses and, according to officials, monitoring will take place every time the buses run. In order to provide job opportunities, female conductors have also been introduced so that female commuters have no trouble. It would also be commendable if a training institute is initiated to teach women how to drive the bus.

Development must always be inclusive and while Pakistan is far behind other countries in this regard, such initiatives help open a dialogue and pave a righteous path forward. The restructuring of Karachi’s transport system must not stop here and services should be provided to other marginalised communities as well if we are to create inclusive systems that help empower citizens in need.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2023.

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